On April 1, 2016 at approximately 2:49 PM Faulkner County dispatch contacted Perry County dispatch in reference to a call about a boat that was unmanned on the Arkansas River near the lock and dam at Toad Suck. Faulkner County informed Perry County that the boat was running in circles and no one was in the boat. Faulkner County advised that Mike Wilkerson of 132 Ferry Boat Road was the reporting party to them and that his friend Steven Paladino, 61 years old of Center Ridge, AR contacted him and stated that he got in the boat and shut it off, but not before it had hit Mr. Wilkerson’s dock and that he needed to come home and check it out.

Deputy Danny Story responded to the call as well as Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish, and Conway Fire and Rescue. Upon arrival Deputy Story spoke with Mr. Wilkerson and inspected the boat dock and found no damage. While there Mr. Wilkerson received a call from Mr. Paladino who stated that this was an April fool’s joke. Deputy Story immediately cancelled all emergency personnel that was responding.

Deputy Story submitted an affidavit of arrest for Mr. Paladino to the Prosecutors office and District Judge Andy Gill signed it. Mr. Paladino is out on bond awaiting trial.